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A couple of years into my 8-year run at Sauk Valley Media, I was put in charge of our entertainment section.

I was pumped, because I love, love, love entertainment. Music, movies, festivals, fairs, food, drinks, fundraisers – I love it all. This stuff is my jam.

Through the years, I got to interview local musicians, bands, artists and more. I got to chat with national artists, musicians, comedians and magicians.

I gave you my opinion on so many albums, none of which you asked for, by the way.

I even ranked my favorite superhero movies, my favorite Best Picture winners of the Academy Awards (that one needs an update) and more.

I told you what movies I was looking forward to seeing almost every year, some of which I most definitely regretted seeing.

Last year, while giving you my best albums of 2017, I even let you into my world, sharing the story of the scary first few days of my daughter’s life and how a truly special album helped heal my soul. Olivia’s amazing, by the way! Michelle and I never knew we could love someone so much.

All jokes aside, you let me do all of this, and I appreciate that. Maybe you just didn’t have the energy or the heart to tell me to stop? I’ll never know. ... You had to know I was lying when I said all jokes aside.

As my duties multiplied and my responsibilities at the paper changed, I had less and less time for a lot of this.

There are so many more bands, musicians and other artists I wish I could’ve interviewed, so many more that deserve attention.

Nonetheless, I’ve kind of thought of myself as an advocate for our local arts and entertainment. I hope my small efforts helped shed some light of some truly amazing people creating amazing things.

I’ll continue to champion all of that stuff, as much as I can, through my own social media and any other way I can.

Someone else at SVM will get the chance to be a voice for the Sauk Valley entertainment scene, and I can’t wait to read all about it.

People do some great work here at Sauk Valley Media. So many have become like family. I wish nothing but the best for them and for all of you.

It’s been my pleasure ... and I swear this is my last farewell column.